Indoor Positioning and Recording System

ABSTRACT

An indoor recording and positioning system for use in construction projects, as well as in a host of related industries and governmental activities, which system provides for immediate and complete retrieval of construction documents, such as floorplans, blueprints, and other specifications and requirements, keyed to and calibrated by the position of the user at the construction site, and allows for the efficient and timely completion of punch lists, reports, and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/352,598 filed on Jun. 21, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/423,349 filed on Nov. 17, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to systems for use in theconstruction projects, in the building trades and inspection businesses,and in activities that relate to using surveys, floorplans, andblueprints real property and improvements thereon.

BACKGROUND

Within the construction industry, efficient creation and implementationof quality punch lists is a process that taxes resources in terms oftime, manpower, and ultimately money. Ask many contractors what is onefacet of project development that needs improvement, and the punch listwould consistently rank near the top. The ongoing problem in theconstruction industry is that there is not enough time to completespecific tasks. The problem that needs to be solved for contractors isto readily identify building errors and have the capability of solvingthese at a faster rate. Current practices include both traditional andnontraditional methods.

Contractors have found that one of the most time consuming endeavors arepunch lists. This includes the inspection of work and identifying issuesthat need to be repaired and/or corrected in order to be in line withplans and construction documents, meet industry standards, and theinspector's requests, etc. These objectives are met via two employeesconducting a “Walk Through” of the building with the constructiondocuments in tow. While burdensome blueprints and other constructiondocuments are lugged, they inspect the work completed and ensure itconforms to the plans and construction documents. The plans are viewedand remaining issues are identified while the other contractor marksthem. This is usually accomplished by use of a marker or spray paintwhile a list is written of the items that need to be addressed. Uponcompletion of this “Walk Through”, separate lists are prepared for eachsubcontractor responsible for additional work. If required, the list istranslated into a different language in order to expedite the completionof the corrective work. The work is reviewed and by using plans orconstruction documents, these tasks are performed. The contractor willnotify others when the work is completed. They will need to repeat theprocess of going through the building to inspect that the work has infact been corrected. If it has all been corrected, the next facet of theconstruction process will be completed. The process may need to berepeated if there are items that were not addressed correctly. In manyinstances we are told that all of the work is done before it is in factis completed. On occasion, subcontractors have told us that certainitems were never on the original list, but were added after the initiallist was submitted to the contractor. This typically happens after theylose their copy of the list.

This invention is a system that is user friendly to enable a person withlimited technological expertise to use with ease. This application willbe used by all team members, to maximize collaboration, and ease in thecompletion of tasks. This application will eliminate many or most of theconcerns noted above. The ultimate goal is to reduce and/or minimizetheir impact on the construction schedule and the cost involved in thisand future construction projects.

In its most base form, punch lists have traditionally been createdutilizing two man teams. One person walks the project closely examiningthe environment and identifying any errors that require attention beforefinal completion of the project. The other person writes down what issaid in terms of the extent of the mistake and what is needed to rectifythe problem. Moreover, the physical location of what needs to be fixedwithin the project is noted. That information is often in the form of asimple note pad and then passed on to the contractor and/orsubcontractors to facilitate the completion/correction of the foundmistakes. This is a time consuming and inefficient process that allowsroom for miscommunication, a lack of accountability, inaccuracy ininformation, and all relevant parties not being aligned.

Recognizing the inherent limitations with, and with the continued adventof technology, contractors have seen the development of various softwareapplications. These applications focus on the aforementioned problemsand create a more streamlined and accurate process. They represent aninitial attempt to utilize technology to improve service delivery.Current offerings, although differing in subtle ways, share featuresthat start the process of improving the management and completion ofpunch lists, including but not limited to: utilizing mobile devices toinput and share data; use of voice recognition to identify and recordissues that need to be fixed; creating due dates and assigningresponsibility to parties with automatic overdue emails sent; sharinginformation to all relevant parties instantly; the ability to identifyany issues found on electronic blueprints on mobile devices; and theability to view the plans, insert photos, notes, and to collaborate withothers.

In the present state of the industry, inefficiency in both time and costis rampant in following plans and undertaking required tasks so as tocomplete punch lists in a timely manner. While some attempts have beenmade to cure these inefficiencies, such as in the system described inU.S. Pat. No. 9,424,545 to Lee designed for use in large scaleconstruction projects, such systems lack the simplicity and costeffectiveness of the present invention. Other examples are the patentapplication of Gil, US 2016/0033652, geared toward a surveying systemhaving the complexity of the use of a panoply of antennas; Kochevar'sapplication, US 2012/0330852, dealing with repairs to facilities havingfire protection systems; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,225,858 to Anderson, notapplicable per se to the construction industry, but dealing withtracking locations of persons vis a vis a floor plan in a system thatrequires a multiplicity of electronic devices. None of the currenttechnology provides the scope and ease of use of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A summary of the present invention divided into the following areas:

1. Calibration for the Initial Project Set-Up of the System of thePresent Invention

The system allows the users to select plans, documents that are going tobe used on this project. Input the plans, drawings layouts and otherneeded documents that are going used for Global Positioning System (GPS)for reference in the system. Plans, documents can be input from CADfiles, downloads, scanning, and the like.

The system allows for the labeling of plans in system as needed. Plansbeing used for GPS location will need to be labeled in greater detail.For example, outline the perimeter of the second floor on the plans tobe used and label as “Second Floor” as in FIG. 1A. Elevations for eachfloor can also be entered. This will help the software relate to andidentify what floor the user is on (all in real time). Outline Apartment6 on the same plan and label it as “Apt. 6” as in FIG. 1B. Outline andlabel each of the rooms within “Apt. 6” as in FIG. 1C. The user canrepeat this for the remainder of the first floor plan (including commonareas) and can repeat this process for the remainder of the building.The exterior elevations of the building can also be labeled for viewingfrom the exterior of the building (See FIG. 1-E). Any other drawings ordocuments can be incorporated in the same manner.

Calibrate plans into program by using several GPS points/locations wherethe building will be constructed and match each of these points to thecorresponding location on a plan that has been previously downloaded.(i.e. located the southeast corners of the building on the constructionsite) as in FIG. 2A. After completing this, user can save this locationin the application, and link this point to the corresponding location ofthe floor plan that was previously downloaded into the system. The userwill be capable of finding a second, point and repeating the process. Atthis time the dimension between the points can be entered. Thesedimensions are usually available on the plans or they can be obtained byfield measuring (on site). The user can locate several additionalpoints. This process can be repeated for any applicable plans, drawings,etc. The exterior of the building can also be “field” calibrated byselecting several points on any exterior section of the site where thebuilding will be located. Building/Plans can be labeled with greatdetail and integrated into system. In multiple story buildings,overlaying of building can be set up first, so that the user can be atany floor of that building.

In addition to this, the user has the capability of accessing theelevation of the building being viewed. For instance, there are timeswhere a window is broken and needs to be replaced. Select that view,locate the window. Insert a comment, take a picture and send it on itsway. The application will allow the user to create a rough layout of theoutside of the building, as well as input various elevation options.After determining the outside boundaries of a building or property, theuser will be able to input field measure of the interior walls,stairwells, doors, windows, etc., and incorporate them into thebuilding. The user has the ability to add (copying) more floors. Theuser will have the ability to copy and paste complete (saved)documents/drawings, or parts of documents/drawings. A rough sketch canbe saved, added to, sketches, and construction documents. A developer orpotential real estate investor has the ability to add structures andsuperimpose onto site plans, google earth, and similar mappings. When auser is looking at a building in which he or she is interested inpurchasing or leasing, the program provides the ability to take pointsof reference by using GPS locations of the outside corners of thebuilding, or the distance from one point to the other.

2. The Use of the System of this Invention in Construction Projects

Once the calibration is completed, the user can locate his position inor outside the building through the software and the relation to theplans that have been downloaded into the system. The user walks into thebuilding, selects the area that he is going to inspect (i.e. secondfloor). The plan that was loaded and labeled as “Second Floor” will loadinto the software as in FIG. 1A. If the building only has one floor, theplans will auto load, as will the exterior elevation and any otherapplicable documents that correspond with the area where the user islocated when the user walks outside of the building. The user can walkthrough the building and the icon that represents the user (see FIG. 1B)will remain constant as the plans move. This will keep the user centeredin the area at which he is located at all times. The location finder,found by using the preloaded “Labeling”, will keep the user informed asto his floor and his room location. The system, using GPS, will alwayskeep the user centered on the screen. The user can zoom in or out,scroll, and/or select other areas on plans to look at. As the usermoves, the plans are shifted so that he or she is always centered. Anyother drawings, plans, etc. that have been loaded (floor joist layouts,mechanical plans, etc.) can be substituted, or overlaid, by user, onfloor plans for quick reference and/or comments. Any plans or documentsdownloaded for GPS use can in the same manner as described above. Planscan also be downloaded for reference. Plan, documents, and the like canbe added into systems while the project is ongoing (after the initialcalibration). The user has the ability to move (scroll and import) plansto view areas that are not visible when user is centered. Once locationof the building has been established and saved, this can be stored andused by anyone given permission or access to the project (i.e.subcontractor, project professionals, etc.). This program can also bemade available to future building owners, managers, and others.

An individual that is given access can respond or comment, and will haveuse of the program based on the permissions given to that user. Theusers can have the same GPS and labeling functionality available tothem. One can locate himself in relation to building or to addflexibility in being able to walk a site (in and outside the building)and comment on progress or identifying items that need to be addressed(i.e. clean-up, moving materials, open trenches, improperly completedgrading). If one enters a building and selects the second floor, theapplication of the system will identify that the person is on the“Second Floor.” The system will identify that you are on the SecondFloor in Apartment 6, as soon as the user walks into Apartment 6 as inFIG. 1B. The user can decide to touch and add comments to the masterbathroom in Apt. 6 as in FIG. 1D. The system will identify the commentas being localized to “Second Floor, Apartment 6, and Master Bathroom.”The user is capable of going into greater detail and auto loading thisinformation into reports, notification, and the like. Due to possiblevariances in GPS location the cursor (icon) will be the point ofreference for identifying the location of the issue, and will overridethe location of the user as the reference point. Photos can be takenwith your mobile device or separate camera. The user will be able tosubstitute different floor plans to reflect the area of the buildingthat is being inspected and commented on. The user has the ability tocomplete multiple portions of the work at the same time he is walkingthrough a building and to work on punch list for multiple recipients.The application provides the user with the ability to add photos, audio,videos, documents, and other electronic files in the same way. The usercan insert comments and edit comments and the user is capable ofselecting a point, select comment and you can show comment in cloud ornumber the point and list comments separately and/or audio. Differentlevels of response can be added and locations can be color coordinatedso that the status of a number and/or comment can be associated with acolor. The user can also walk outside of the building and the programwill identify that he is outside the building, and the side of thebuilding at which he is. The program will auto load the elevations thatare visible or relevant to/from his location for the user to view andcomment in the same way as described above. The system will auto fillthe location information into any report. The present system has avertical element to the application as well, allowing the program toautomatically know what floor of the structure the user is currently on,without the need to manually tell the program. Each individual site(building, lot, can be loaded into the database to create a virtualtown, county, state, a nation or world. Adding new “sites” can beachieved by the inputting of data from existing surveys, site plans,subdivision plans, deeds, etc., or from or as describe above. Addingexisting site where the above information is not available, as well asany future site development, can be achieved by using method describedabove. The end result will be a map of the desired area with theindividual site on it. This virtual map can be viewed in severaldifferent ways. Each user will have access to the virtual mapping oftheir sites. A township can incorporate a new subdivision with all theinformation related to it into their “town”. A house can be added toeach lot in the subdivision is developed. All the information associatedwith that house is added. Even locations of sewer water, and otherutilities, if desired, can be added. Inspection can be scheduled,completed, and recorded in the same manner as noted above. Theinformation distributed to all desired parties. Information can beadded, and/or updated when the house is sold, resold, altered, etc. Allthe information associated with this house (form its inception) can becontained within this virtual lot. All employees, using the system canbe tracked while completing projects for the site. Their location can bemade visible to desired members of their team. This will facilitateefficient scheduling of work, and potentially reduce possible lawsuits.Employees can be tracked while working. The employee will have access toneeded information related to the individual site.

3. Other Uses of the Invention

The location of a parcel of land, subdivision can be established in thesystem. This can be done by entering latitude longitude coordinates anddimensions supplied by a surveyor and/or using the system. This systemcan again be used should that parcel is again subdivided or split intomore than parcels. The parcel can be updated in the system when asub-division plan is filed with the township. As revisions or updated tothis sub-division plan if submitted, than again it is updated into thesystem. The location of a structure, along with the plans for thestructure, can be added to a parcel of land, within the system, whenplans are submitted for permits to an authority. Structures can also beadded to the system as described above.

The system will be able to track, among other things, is the property isinhabited, vacant, abandoned, and its condition. A mapping of the city,town, county, state, and country will begin to take shape as moreparcels are added. All the information associated with eachparcel/building/residence/unit can be stored within a database whichwill be linked to the mapping. The information stored can be limitless.

Information regarding construction of the structure. Plans, deeds,owner's information, tax information, insurance information, and thelike. Public safety information can also be stored (locations ofpipelines, construction details and plans for fire & safety). An officerresponds to a call. As he drives he is able to turn the system on and,like the navigation system, a mapping of the area he is traveling willpass on the screen. He can get all information made available to him, onany of the parcels/buildings/residences/units by clicking in adesignated area. He can scroll or search forareas/parcels/buildings/residences/units that are not visible on hisscreen. When he arrives at the call, he can pull up the site or buildingplans to familiarize himself with the area prior to entering. Theofficer an also be equipped with the “Indoor Positioning and RecordingSystem”. The office will have real time knowledge of the location of allpersonnel using the system. This will allow for the best use, anddeployment of resources. This system can, possible, be incorporated intobody cameras. This will also allow for a visual of the situation. Thiswill protect the officers from harm, and help to bring life threateningsituations to a peaceful resolve. A fire fighter will have access to theplans along with sit/building characteristics. The firefighter will knowthe layout of the building and what the roofs constructed of prior tostepping on it.

This system can facilitate an inspectors in the performance of theirinspections. Inspections can be fast tracked, with the inspector beingable to forward the results of his inspection directly to therecipients. Inspection forms will be auto populated and inspector willbe able to move within building in same manner as described above. Thisgives the inspector the ability to get feedback from the recipient. Thesystem can be made to automate the scheduling of inspections, along withthe permit application/approval/invoicing process. All can be done online or by phone to reduce time office personnel spend dealing withthese items.

The system is updated when there is a change of ownership of a parcel ora building. This system can also be used by a city, town, county, state,country, etc. to track abandoned, uninhabited, decapitated, etc.properties. Detailed inspection reports, scheduling of follow-upinspections, condemning properties can be streamlined. This will savevaluable time and possibly lives.

The system can be integrated into home business security. Motiondetectors, glass breaks sensors, and surveillance cameras are great.This system will allow for the location all persons using the system tobe identified and guided by a dispatcher from danger.

This system is also ideal for the infirmed, elderly, or persons livingalone. The system added to an Emergency Alert System. The system willcomplement the capabilities of systems currently available by allowingthe emergency response center to also know the exact location of theperson which can be a life saver.

This system, being used with security cameras will allow for dispatchersto be monitor a situation and be able to direct any person (by cellphone or text). A group of armed men enter a school. The alarmactivated. All persons that are using the instant invention are notifiedon their cell phone that the alarm has been activated (by text by thecell phone in silent mode). The situation can be monitored by thedispatched, always knowing the location of the systems user, and withaccess to the cameras. The dispatchers can advise the user as the eventsunfold and recommend a course of action (For the user and those aroundthe user). A teacher or administrator has a better chance of savinglives with this system. This system can be used by any organization.

This system can also be used by an organization to monitor the locationof the user of the system described herein. This system can be used toschedule and track the user and tasks being performed by the user. Itcan be used for verification of hours worked, including those worked onan each individual task.

The application can be used to input the GPS location of any newstructure that are being built or require building permits. This can bedone by using available plans or surveys. Existing structures can beadded to the system. This can be done by using plans or surveys that areon file with the municipality or county. Existing structures can also beadded by inspection of the structure and field calibration and inputtingof pertinent information relating to the structure. The size of thebuilding, location of windows, doors, stairwells, elevators, etc. can beadded. Information that is needed in case of emergency, such asconstruction of floors, walls, and roofs can be added to the system. Theend result is a drawing of the structure that the GPS application can beused with in the same way that it can be used over plans. Thisinformation about the structure can be overlaid on a virtual map of thedesired area (City, County, State, or National). This will allow for amap of the area that shows the location of each individual structure andallow for the icon of any desired individual user to be incorporated.Vacant properties can be identified. Budgeting, management, trackingemployees, scheduling work/tasks, invoicing, paying bills, etc. can bemanaged through this portal. This invention can be used by lawenforcement authorities and use of the application would extend toschool districts as well. Just as has been noted above, having a virtuallayout of a school will enable first responders to know exact detailsabout the structure in the event of an emergency (i.e. fire, activeshooter, medical emergency, etc.). Having this information available theinstant it is needed increases the odds that lives of students and staffare saved.

In addition to use in an emergency situation, school districts wouldalso be able to utilize the program for facility management purposes aswell. Facilities management is a huge task for school districts. Havinga program to designate, track, and evaluate work that needs to becompleted would be invaluable.

Dispatch will know where law enforcement is at all times. When receivinga call an officer will have instant access to the layout of the house.This gives him an advantage about his surrounding before he even leaveshis car. He can track himself and others at the scene. The office knowswhere his team members are. He knows if they are on the first of secondfloor or where on the exterior of the house they are. This minimizes thechange of offices being injured, lawsuits resulting for the call, etc.

This Application can be a block or platform to build upon for many uses.Each platform will have the GPS capabilities described above. Modulescan be added to this platform to meet the needs of the user. Moduleswill be industry or user specific. This will be a platform that canhandle the day to day operations of the user at both the individual(micro) level and systems/administrative level (macro). Informationentered can be made available to future users.

Another use of the application would be to assist the elderly anddisabled. Individuals who are elderly and/or disabled presents a uniqueset of home care/safety challenges. The device could be worn by anindividual and give immediate and continuous feedback as to theirwhereabouts in any structure that has been previously added to theexisting database. If a safety concern arises (falls, accidents, medicalemergencies, etc.), responders will be able to immediately identifywhere in a structure the person is so as to provide help more quicklyand efficiently. This includes not only a general sense of where theyare in the structure (i.e. the southwest corner of the house but unsureas to whether on 1st, 2nd, 3rd floor, etc.), but the specific rooms theyare in (i.e. 2nd floor hallway bathroom), as this information concerninginternal elevations has already been preloaded into the program.

Radiuses can be created. Radiuses would be similar to the how (in theApplication) we are locating the individual rooms, or sections within abuilding so that the software can identify where the user is at or wherehe is pointing his cursor. This allows the software to be able to knowand auto load into any documents/reports that are being produced. Theradius is locating a center point and creating a radius around it andlabeling this area. The user is identified and his location noted anytime a reports is produced, an item delivered or dispersed. This couldbe used within a building or anywhere outside of a building. To identifya trailer, storage yard, etc. A good way to confirm that someone isactually at the trailer taking a delivery and checking the items intothe trailer. Can also be used to track actual time spent by a user onindividual project/site. Can be used to schedule/sequence/trackdeliveries/tasks being completed by a user at/to varioussites/locations. There can be created around a project, a town, a state(as large or small as desired). Structures and locations on a site canbe identified and radiuses created (i.e. storage trailers, lumber yards,dumpsters, etc.). System can timestamp when and where reports arecreated and show location on site where the report was created. Systemhas the ability to interact with other software for project management(i.e. materials being verified and counted as being delivered to a sitecan be timestamped and the location of the user identified. The locationand time that materials, tools, etc. being sold, lent, distributed canbe identified. Punchlists can be timestamped.

There are a number of points of novelty of the present inventionincluding, but not limited to, using GPS to calibrate the location ofthe user within the project on blue prints overlay; the ability to labelthe overlaid plans, thus making it possible for the application toauto-identify both the location of the user and potential problem; theability of the application to auto-fill all reports with locations; theinvention functions in real time; and, above all, the ability totranslate text notes for each problem marked on the application intoother languages which is especially salient considering the variouslanguages used by contractors and subcontractors.

Unlike the use of pen and paper, utilizing the system's applicationprogram will enhance quality, productivity, and save time on futureprojects. The purpose of having a GPS module is to assist projectassociates to correct problems before they actually occur. Likewise,this module will give an employee the access to have a betterunderstanding of what they are physically looking at. The GPSapplication will benefit an employee if they make a mistake bydemonstrating what they missed or the subcontractor who has to completethe work. Another significant advantage in having the GPS application isthe ability of a user to move from page to page on each plan. This canbe simply performed by uploading the plans on the application that islabeled job specific.

An additional benefit of the GPS application is that this can enhancecommunication on site to the office and other team members.Consequently, users can upload a document or plan that is job specificand have the ability to comment on what work was performed. Thisapplication can correct any discrepancies and avoid others that theemployer has with subcontractors in relation to the work completed oryet to be completed. Nevertheless, this will benefit the employer whenit pertains to receiving invoices for work completed. This applicationwill allow users to sign off work completed by other trades andinstantly report back to office personnel.

To further increase the efficiency of the application, the iconrepresenting the user will be continuously centered on the device screenas they move around the structure. Stated another way, the software willautomatically depict where the user is in relation to theblueprints/plans. As the user moves, so too will the blueprints/plans.Once any notations/corrections are loaded into the program, they will belocalized to specific floors and rooms, in addition to the structure asa whole. The result is that when it is time to fix the problem, the enduser will be able to search the structure as a whole, specific floors,or even specific rooms, all as their needs dictate.

The system can significantly reduce the amount of time spent at theproject site, as well as improve the efficiency and quality of makingany necessary corrections to problems created during construction.

This system has the following potential uses and users: Punch list forconstruction projects. Project progress reports. Safety inspections andsite visits. Repair and maintenance reports. Project management.Building Inspectors Government Agencies. Builders/Developers. GeneralContractors. Sub-Contractors. Real Estate Agents/Brokers PropertyManagers. Property Maintenance Companies. Surveyors. Law Enforcement.School Districts. Warehousing. ManufacturingGovernment/State/County/Municipalities Public Safety and FirstResponders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more readily apparent from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by way of exampleonly, in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exemplary floorplan used to construct one floor of atypical multi-floor apartment building.

FIG. 1B is one section of the floorplan of FIG. 1A, being the floorplanfor one apartment thereof, shown in the format of the electronic displayof the present invention.

FIG. 1C shows the floorplan of the apartment shown in FIG. 1B in thatformat as modified by the use of the instant system.

FIG. 1D shows the floorplan of FIG. 1B as modified by use of the instantsystem.

FIG. 1E is an exemplary exterior elevation of an apartment buildinghaving one floor in accordance with the floorplan of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a construction worker performing work on the constructionof an apartment building of the type shown in FIG. 1E by calibrating thesystem of one embodiment of the present invention in the earlyconstruction of said building.

FIG. 2B shows a construction worker performing work in the laterconstruction of an apartment building of the type shown in FIG. 1E usingthe system of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the method used in one embodiment of the systemcovered by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the instant invention can be appreciated byreviewing first the exemplary drawings, especially FIGS. 1A and 1E thatshow, respectively, a typical floorplan 10 used to construct one floorof a typical multi-floor apartment building, an exemplary exteriorelevation of which being also depicted. Referring to FIG. 1A, each ofthe apartments being constructed on that floor can be reduced to afloorplan such as 11 labelled “Apt. 6,” and as calibrated into thesystem and separated from the entire floorplan as 11 a in FIG. 1B. Assaid Apt. 6 is being completed by the construction crew using theinventive system of this application, the electronic representation ismodified in connection with the completion of, commenting upon, orchanging of work to be accomplished. Examples of that progress areshown, first as 11 b and then as 11 c, as respectively shown in FIGS. 1Cand 1D in which 11 b and 11 c are described in more detail below. Aconstruction worker using the present system 40 in the calibration stageis shown in FIG. 2A performing work in the early construction 30 of anapartment building. A worker using the system after calibration is shownin FIG. 2B performing work in the later construction 30 of an apartmentbuilding of the type shown in FIG. 1E using the system 40 as describedin one embodiment of the present invention. The method as used in thepresent system is described in FIG. 3 in the form of a flowchart 50laying out the method used in one embodiment of the system covered bythe present invention. That method 50 is further described withparticularity as follows:

The system at step 51 provides a means that allows the users to selectplans, documents that are going to be used on this project by scanningthe documents onto a server. Input the plans, drawings layouts and otherneeded documents that are going used for Global Positioning System (GPS)for reference in the system. Plans, documents can be input from CADfiles, downloads, scanning, and the like.

The system allows for the labeling of plans in system as needed pursuantto step 52. Plans being used for GPS location will need to be labeled ingreater detail. For example, outline the perimeter of the second flooron the plans to be used and label as “Second Floor” as in FIG. 1A.Elevations for each floor can also be entered. This will help thesoftware relate to and identify what floor the user is on (all in realtime). Outline Apartment 6 on the same plan and label it as “Apt. 6” asin FIG. 1B. Outline and label each of the rooms within “Apt. 6” as inFIG. 1C. The user can repeat this for the remainder of the first floorplan (including common areas) and can repeat this process for theremainder of the building. The exterior elevations of the building canalso be labeled for viewing from the exterior of the building (See FIG.1-E). Any other drawings or documents can be incorporated in the samemanner. System will have the ability to auto load documents. When aninitial document is loaded, the information specific and distinguishingof the document is identified on the document (i.e. headers, names,producer of documents, recipients, titles or title boxes, symbols,addresses, page, page numbers, references, links to other pages,details, drawings, words, sections, and the like. Within that document,links to other documents, details, drawings, words, sections, etc. notin that specific document but related to that project, job, duty, anddiscussion. The system is taught by manually identifying and inputtinginformation, locations, symbols, and other useful/needed information onspecific document. Items being entered and taught to the system can becategorized into different categories (i.e. type of document, items andor locations within the document that identifies for example theproducer, the recipients, or links created.).

Within many documents, including blueprints, links are created byidentifying the symbols, letter, numbers, and pictures. Indicating andidentifying the information within the symbol needed to locate thedetails or other information related the document or portion of thedocument that you are reviewing, looking at, or seeking additionalinformation on. The application will identify the symbol, letter,number, etc. and direct you to the appropriate page(s), detail(s) ordocument(s) related to this item. A list of the linked information orpop-up window with the linked detail, page, document, etc. will appearwhen you slide your cursor over a linked item or symbol. A click of themouse will allow the opening of the linked item in the pop-up window andmaximized if needed. The next time a document that is related to onethat the system has “learned from is downloaded, the system will be ableto find similarities with previous documents entered, and apply theinformation required or requested that it has learned from the previousdocument to the new document so that the sender, recipients, projectname and location, pages, and links will all be applied. The documentcan be automatically delivered or placed in the correct project andfolder. Access will be given to the recipients, author and any otherteam member requiring access.

The system will first identify type of document to find similarities(i.e. blueprints, specifications, requests for information, submittals,images, sketches, etc.). The system will always look for the author orcreator of the document first and identify the most recent versions ofany document related to the project for inputting and matching for a newdocument. The system will go through documents from newest to oldestwith a specific project and then newest to oldest for similar projectsuntil all the required information needed has been applied to thedocument. This will reduce inconsistencies as documents and theirauthors evolve. Any information that the system cannot find or hasdifficulty matching can be entered manually for the document asdescribed above. When all of the desired information has been, it isadded to the database for that type of document, author, etc. Thedatabase will be able to identify information and locations withindocuments by learning from similarities between documents of the sametype and/or from the same author. The actual documents that theidentifying and linking information is being retrieved from will not bemade available to the user of the document being entered unless they arethe original author, a recipient, or authorized to have access to thedocument. The database will be available for document recognitionanytime a new user is given access to the system. A new user can input adocument, or set of plans and have any requested information autoloaded, and links created without striking a key of with minimalinputting. The database will have access to all documents downloadedwithin the system from all users for the inputting of the user'sdocument. The information is easily incorporated into the project andmade available for all team members. System can also incorporatedocuments being added to ongoing and existing projects in the same way.

Calibration of plans into program in step 53 is accomplished by usingseveral GPS points at which the building will be constructed and matcheach of these points to the corresponding location on a plan that hasbeen previously downloaded. (i.e. located the southeast corners of thebuilding on the construction site) as in FIG. 2A. After completing this,user can save this location in the application, and link this point tothe corresponding location of the floor plan that was previouslydownloaded into the system. The user will be capable of finding asecond, point and repeating the process. At this time the dimensionbetween the points can be entered. These dimensions are usuallyavailable on the plans or they can be obtained by field measuring (onsite). The user can locate several additional points. This process canbe repeated for any applicable plans, drawings, etc. The exterior of thebuilding can also be “field” calibrated by selecting several points onany exterior section of the site where the building will be located.Building/Plans can be labeled with great detail and integrated intosystem. In multiple story buildings, overlaying of building can be setup first, so that the user can be at any floor of that building.

In addition to this, the user has the capability of accessing theelevation of the building being viewed. For instance, there are timeswhere a window is broken and needs to be replaced. Select that view,locate the window. Insert a comment, take a picture and send it on itsway. The application will allow the user to create a rough layout of theoutside of the building, as well as input various elevation options.After determining the outside boundaries of a building or property, theuser will be able to input field measure of the interior walls,stairwells, doors, windows, etc., and incorporate them into thebuilding. The user has the ability to add (copying) more floors. Theuser will have the ability to copy and paste complete (saved)documents/drawings, or parts of documents/drawings. A rough sketch canbe saved, added to, sketches, and construction documents. A developer orpotential real estate investor has the ability to add structures andsuperimpose onto site plans, google earth, and similar mappings. When auser is looking at a building in which he or she is interested inpurchasing or leasing, the program provides the ability to take pointsof reference by using GPS locations of the outside corners of thebuilding, or the distance from one point to the other.

Once the calibration is completed in step 53, the user can locate hisposition in or outside the building through the software and therelation to the plans that have been downloaded into the system. Theuser walks into the building, selects the area that he is going toinspect (such as the Second Floor 10). The plan that was loaded andlabeled as “Second Floor” will load into the software as in FIG. 1A. Ifthe building only has one floor, the plans will auto load, as will theexterior elevation and any other applicable documents that correspondwith the area where the user is located when the user walks outside ofthe building. The user can walk through the building and the icon thatrepresents the user 100 in FIG. 1B, shown entering 11, that is Apt. 6,will remain constant as the plans move. This will keep the user centeredin the area at which he is located at all times (not shown). Thelocation finder, found by using the preloaded “Labeling”, will keep theuser informed as to his floor and his room location. The system, usingGPS, will always keep the user centered on the screen. The user can zoomin or out, scroll, and/or select other areas on plans to look at. As theuser moves, the plans are shifted so that he or she is always centered.Any other drawings, plans, etc. that have been loaded (floor joistlayouts, mechanical plans, etc.) can be substituted, or overlaid, byuser, on floor plans for quick reference and/or comments. Any plans ordocuments downloaded for GPS use can in the same manner as describedabove. Plans can also be downloaded for reference. Plan, documents, andthe like can be added into systems while the project is ongoing (afterthe initial calibration). The user has the ability to move (scroll andimport) plans to view areas that are not visible when user is centered.Once location of the building has been established and saved, this canbe stored and used by anyone given permission or access to the projectsuch as a number of subcontractors or other project professionals. Thissystem can also be licensed or in other ways made available to futurebuilding owners, managers, and others.

An individual that is given access can respond or comment, and will haveuse of the program based on the permissions given to that user as inFIG. 1C which shows the user 100 in the bedroom area of 11 b Apt. 6having a modified screen display. The users can have the same GPS andlabeling functionality available to them. One can locate himself inrelation to building or to add flexibility in being able to walk a site(in and outside the building) and comment on progress or identifyingitems that need to be addressed (i.e. clean-up, moving materials, opentrenches, improperly completed grading). If one enters a building andselects the second floor, the application of the system will identifythat the person is on the “Second Floor.” The system will identify thatyou are on the Second Floor in Apartment 6, as soon as the user 100walks into Apartment 6 as in FIG. 1B. The user can decide to touch andadd comments to the master bathroom as shown by the crosshatching of the“Bath” area in 11 c, that is Apt. 6 as in FIG. 1D. The system willidentify the comment as being localized to “Second Floor, Apartment 6,and Master Bathroom.” In this way, step 54 is accomplished as usersupdate progress on floor plans. As items on the punch list areaddressed, step 55 of the system is reached. The user is capable ofgoing into greater detail and auto loading this information intoreports, notification, and other communications to team members ascountenanced by step 56. Due to possible variances in GPS location theuser cursor (icon 100) will be the point of reference for identifyingthe location of the issue, and will override the location of the user asthe reference point. Photos can be taken with your mobile device orseparate camera. The user will be able to substitute different floorplans to reflect the area of the building that is being inspected andcommented on. The user has the ability to complete multiple portions ofthe work at the same time he is walking through a building and to workon punch list for multiple recipients. The application provides the userwith the ability to add photos, audio, videos, documents, and otherelectronic files in the same way. The user can insert comments and editcomments and the user is capable of selecting a point, select commentand you can show comment in cloud or number the point and list commentsseparately and/or audio. Different levels of response can be added andlocations can be color coordinated so that the status of a number and/orcomment can be associated with a color. The user can also walk outsideof the building and the program will identify that he is outside thebuilding, and the side of the building at which he is. The program willauto load the elevations that are visible or relevant to/from hislocation for the user to view and comment in the same way as describedabove. The system will auto fill the location information into anyreport. The present system has a vertical element to the application aswell, allowing the program to automatically know what floor of thestructure the user is currently on, without the need to manually tellthe program.

Each individual site, that is, a building, a subdivision, or a lot, canbe loaded into the database to create a virtual town, county, state, anation or world. Adding new “sites” can be achieved by the inputting ofdata from existing surveys, site plans, subdivision plans, deeds, etc.,or from or as describe above. Adding existing site where the aboveinformation is not available, as well as any future site development,can be achieved by using method described above. The end result will bea map of the desired area with the individual site on it. This virtualmap can be viewed in several different ways. Each user will have accessto the virtual mapping of their sites. A township can incorporate a newsubdivision with all the information related to it into their “town”. Ahouse can be added to each lot in the subdivision is developed. All theinformation associated with that house is added. Even locations of sewerwater, and other utilities, if desired, can be added. Inspection can bescheduled, completed, and recorded in the same manner as noted above.The information distributed to all desired parties. Information can beadded, and/or updated when the house is sold, resold, altered, etc. Allthe information associated with this house (form its inception) can becontained within this virtual lot. All employees, using the system canbe tracked while completing projects for the site. Their location can bemade visible to desired members of their team. This will facilitateefficient scheduling of work, and potentially reduce possible lawsuits.Employees can be tracked while working. The employee will have access toneeded information related to the individual site.

In varied embodiments of the system, the following features can befound: Comments can be generated for multiple recipients at the sametime and sent to the appropriate recipients with one push of the button;the user can point to the location on which plans comments have beenadded; the user has the capability of adding photos, and any otherdocuments, voice recordings, and voice-to-text explanation and therecording can be sent to the selected recipients; voice recordings canautomatically be converted to text for proofing and/or sending torecipient; text can be converted from and to other languages, if needed;the system can also be set up in different languages to accommodate theuser, while all incoming text will be displayed in the preset language;each user can access documents (details, scopes, submittals, etc.) toensure quick verification of work completed, and comment when necessary;a user can comment on any discrepancies and dispatch it to theresponsible person as in the use of the system by the worker in FIG. 2B;any list of comments will be directly sent to certain recipient;documents can be attached directly to comments (such as photos, shopdrawings, or other details); when user slides over the number (comment),window will appear showing comment and any attachments; comments can besent to one or more recipients; comments can be responded to on anindividual comment basis or grouping basis; comments can be responded tofrom one of the recipients or multiple recipients; the system will havethe ability to store a complete history of all tasks, comments, andresponses; filters are available to allow for only the viewing ofinformation desired by or pertinent to the viewer; the user can requiredeadlines to comments or requests in the number of hours or days torespond and the system will keep the user apprised of status ofrequests, punch lists, and comments sent; the system can provideautomatic reminders to all users of due dates; the completed file/linkcan be sent via email; recipients can view, in the field if necessary,using their computer or mobile device and respond in same way asinitially sent out; respondents can send additional attachments, ifneeded; viewing and/or printing and sending of updated documents canalso be associated or related to the status/color; and documents canalso be printed or delivered electronically. By using these features ofthe system, the punch list for the project is finally, and efficiently,completed as step 57 is attained.

The system is capable of integration with programs such as AutoCad toimport drawings directly. By having access to programs such as these,this provides the user ability to move within a 3D drawings, and overlaywith electronic maps and google earth are available.

Unlike the use of pen and paper, utilizing a GPS application willenhance quality, productivity, and save time on future projects. Thepurpose of having a GPS module is to assist project associates tocorrect problems before they actually occur. Likewise, this module willgive an employee the access to have a better understanding of what isbeing viewed. The GPS application will benefit an employee if they makea mistake by demonstrating what they missed or the subcontractor who hasto complete the work. Another significant advantage in having the GPSassisted system is the ability of a user to move from page to page oneach plan. This can be simply performed by uploading the plans on theapplication that is labeled job specific.

An additional benefit of the GPS input is that this can enhancecommunication on site to the office and other team members.Consequently, users can upload a document or plan that is job specificand have the ability to comment on what work was performed. Thisapplication can correct any discrepancies and avoid others that theemployer has with subcontractors in relation to the work completed oryet to be completed. Nevertheless, this will benefit the employer whenit pertains to receiving invoices for work completed. This applicationwill allow users to sign off work completed by other trades andinstantly report back to office personnel.

To further increase the efficiency of the application, the iconrepresenting the user 100 will be continuously centered on the devicescreen as they move around the structure. Stated another way, thesoftware will automatically depict where the user is in relation to theblueprints/plans. As the user moves, so too will the blueprints/plans.Once any notations/corrections are loaded into the program, they will belocalized to specific floors and rooms, in addition to the structure asa whole. The result is that when it is time to fix the problem, the enduser will be able to search the structure as a whole, specific floors,or even specific rooms, all as their needs dictate.

The ultimate goal of the GPS application is to both significantly reducethe amount of time spent at the project site, as well as improve theefficiency and quality of making any necessary corrections to problemscreated during construction. Punch lists are completed as per step 57 ina timely manner and efficiently under budget. It should be appreciatedthat the preferred embodiment of the instant invention is exemplary andthat other embodiments, and other uses, of this invention are intendedto be covered by this application for letters patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for use in a construction project comprising: at least one handheld electronic mobile device having communication capability and global positioning capability; an electronic scanning device; and a computer under the control of an application program, which computer has capability for the uploading of scanned documents whereby said application program provides for communication between said computer and said mobile devices that allows for the downloading of said documents to a mobile device based on the location at the construction project of the user of said device as determined by said global positioning system.
 2. The system of claim 1 in which said device is a smartphone.
 3. The system of claim 1 in which said communication capability is blue tooth capability.
 4. The system of claim 1 in which said computer is a server.
 5. The system of claim 1 in which said scanned documents are selected from the group comprising: surveys, floorplans, blueprints, construction plans, and punch lists.
 6. The system of claim 1 in which said computer has the capability for the uploading of electronic files selected from the group comprising: computer aided design files; computer aided drafting files; three dimensional computer aided design files; and three dimensional computer aided drafting files.
 7. A system for providing information to a user based on said user's indoor location comprising: at least one handheld electronic mobile device having communication capability and global positioning capability; an electronic scanning device; and a computer under the control of an application program, which computer has capability for the uploading of scanned electronic documents whereby said application program provides for communication between said computer and said mobile devices that allows for the downloading of said documents to a mobile device based on the indoor location of the user of said device as determined by said global positioning system.
 8. The system of claim 7 in which said device is a smartphone.
 9. The system of claim 7 in which said communication capability is blue tooth capability.
 10. The system of claim 7 in which said computer is a server.
 11. The system of claim 7 in which said scanned documents are selected from the group comprising: surveys, floorplans, and blueprints.
 12. A method for completing a construction project and recording the steps of completion comprising the steps of: scanning hardcopy plans for said project into uploadable electronic files; labelling said electronic files; uploading said electronic files into a server running under the control of an application program; said server communicating with at least one handheld electronic mobile device having communication capability and global positioning capability; said program calibrating said files with project locations as determined by global positioning of said mobile device at such project location; downloading electronic files applicable to said project location into said mobile device at such location; updating progress of construction work at such locations by uploading comments to said server entered by a user of said mobile device at said location; sharing uploaded progress information with users of said mobile devices; marking a punch list of construction tasks to be performed in such project as such progress information is so uploaded; and completing such punch list whereby said construction project is completed and such completion has been recorded.
 13. The method of claim 12 in which said mobile devices are smartphones.
 14. The method of claim 12 in which said communication capability is blue tooth capability.
 15. The method of claim 12 in which said hardcopy plans are selected from the group comprising: surveys, floorplans, blueprints, construction plans, and punch lists.
 16. The method of claim 12 in which said server has the capability for the uploading of electronic files selected from the group comprising: computer aided design files; computer aided drafting files; three dimensional computer aided design files; and three dimensional computer aided drafting files.
 17. The method of claim 12 in which said application program has the capability to translate documents uploaded into said server or downloaded into said mobile devices to and from a variety of languages.
 18. The method of claim 17 in which said languages are selected from a group comprising: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. 